MacBook Pro Replacement option

[rctneil]

Hi,

It's looking rather likely that Apple will be replacing my MacBook Pro due to a internal hardware issue.

It's a MacBook Pro Mid 2017 13" 3.5Ghz i7 with 16Gb RAM and a 512Gb HDD in Space Grey.

If they offer a replacement and allow me to choose, which would people recommend I go for?

- 13" MacBook Pro M1 with 16Gb RAM and 512Gb
- 13" MacBook Pro i7 with 16Gb RAM and 512Gb

I realise that the Intel one is the more expensive of the two though.

Any comments here?

 

[immortal21god]

I'd say go for the M1 variant since although the intel variant might be more expensive now, it's value will quickly drop in a year or 2.

 

[rctneil]

I'd say go for the M1 variant since although the intel variant might be more expensive now, it's value will quickly drop in a year or 2.

That was my initial thought. I'll see what I'm offered. To be honest, either model will be valued higher than my existing 2017 model so it's a win either way.

Appreciate the advice!

 

[960design]

M1 is the future. If you expect to keep it for the next 3 years or so, then absolutely M1.

 

[Christopher Kim]

IMO this is a bit nuanced, given you have the "higher-end" 13" MBP with 4 TB3 ports, and that model still hasn't been updated yet with Apple Silicon (everyone waiting for the new 14" / 16" MBPs to come out later this year with M1X or M2). So going with the current M1 MBP means you're technically getting the "lower-end" 13" MBP version with 2 TB3 ports.

I think if those were the only 2 choices, I would still go with the M1 MBP, unless:
- You need Intel to run VMs or whatever applications you use it for
- You need more than 2 TB3 ports
- You need to output to more than 1 external display

Another option is you could ask if they'd give you a credit (hopefully for the full $ cost of the current 13" MBP Intel i7 16gb/512gb) so you can use it on the new 14" M1X/M2 MBP when it comes out later this year. You could make the argument that you really want the 4 thunderbolt version, but don't want to get Intel at this point, and that we're "so close" to the new redesigned 14" options, you want to wait for that. They may not do it, but you can give it a try.

 

[rctneil]

IMO this is a bit nuanced, given you have the "higher-end" 13" MBP with 4 TB3 ports, and that model still hasn't been updated yet with Apple Silicon (everyone waiting for the new 14" / 16" MBPs to come out later this year with M1X or M2). So going with the current M1 MBP means you're technically getting the "lower-end" 13" MBP version with 2 TB3 ports.

I think if those were the only 2 choices, I would still go with the M1 MBP, unless:
- You need Intel to run VMs or whatever applications you use it for
- You need more than 2 TB3 ports
- You need to output to more than 1 external display

Another option is you could ask if they'd give you a credit (hopefully for the full $ cost of the current 13" MBP Intel i7 16gb/512gb) so you can use it on the new 14" M1X/M2 MBP when it comes out later this year. You could make the argument that you really want the 4 thunderbolt version, but don't want to get Intel at this point, and that we're "so close" to the new redesigned 14" options, you want to wait for that. They may not do it, but you can give it a try.

I like your thinking!

I think what i'll do, if they can offer credit for my machine and allow me to wait until new ones are out then i'll do that, if not then i'll push for a replacement of the current M1 rather than an Intel machine.

I was intending on replacing my current machine and getting the 14" M? Pro later in the year anyway so credit would be the best option if they allow me to do that.

Thanks for the advice all!

 

[curdy]

Please let us know if they do allow you to do a credit! US? Or other country?

 

[5425642]

I like your thinking!

I think what i'll do, if they can offer credit for my machine and allow me to wait until new ones are out then i'll do that, if not then i'll push for a replacement of the current M1 rather than an Intel machine.

I was intending on replacing my current machine and getting the 14" M? Pro later in the year anyway so credit would be the best option if they allow me to do that.

Thanks for the advice all!

Been working at apple in 2012 I can say that they will likely offer you the intel one as internal documents in 2012 are stating that it should always bee same or better never cheaper etc.

real life example when the retina was released exactly and 17” was still around.
example if the 17” was broken the customer did get the 15” retina and not the ordinary 15” as the customer should have same or better and as the 17” was not replacebel anymore the customer did get the 15”.

what you can do is tell them that your fine with the m1 but as you have the 4 port as you have external storage etc you want the m1 with 16gb and 1tb storage.

 

[5425642]

Please let us know if they do allow you to do a credit! US? Or other country?

Same rules in all country’s.
Credit is not offered read my other post above

 

[ascender]

Unless you positively, absolutely need an Intel CPU or the 4 ports, go for the M1 based machine.

There’s absolutely no comparison given how powerful & efficient the new chips are. It will also retain more of its value in the next while without a doubt.

 

[doolar]

Definitely M1 unless you really need Intel Mac specifics. I swapped my 2017 15" Pro for a M1 Air. It's such a different world.

No jet engine speed fans just because I'm considering typing in the address bar, no silly hot laptop for no apparent reason just sitting idle, plus all the M1 things that we all know by now, battery life, instant sleep/wake, Rosetta 2 functionality.

Just the fact that I can leave my work Mac for days (usually in my bag over the weekend) without the battery status moving more than a few percent is so refreshing and stress free, every Monday I just open my laptop and start working.

I don't know anybody who could trust that their Mac didn't for some reason deplete the battery over night. That never happens with a M1 Mac, it is like an Ipad in that regard.

Switch if you can and don't need any Intel Mac specifics!

 

[profcutter]

Yeah, while the i7 had a higher retail value, the M1 is objectively the better machine, thunderbolt ports aside. I think you’re best off with credit (unlikely), or the m1.